A case of trismus from ankylosis of the alveolar process between the maxilla and mandible

• Published in: Japanese Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Vol. 42; no. 6; pp. 608 - 610
• Main Authors: TAKAKI, Kimiyasu, WATANABE, Satoshi, NISHIMURA, Kenji, ITOH, Takatoshi, MUKAI, Hiroshi, SHINOHARA, Naoyuki
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japanese Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 1996
• Subjects: adhesion of alveolar process; extra-articular ankylosis; trismus
• ISSN: 0021-5163; 2186-1579
• DOI: 10.5794/jjoms.42.608

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint can be classified into intra-articular and extra-articular ankylosis. We report a rare case of extra-articular ankylosis caused by extensive adhesion of the alveolar process at the left side of maxilla and mandible. A 66-year-old woman visited our clinic with a chief complaint of trismus. She suffered from a feverish disease around the age of 3-4 years, which caused erosion and ulceration of the oral mucosa resulting in the massive adhesion of the alveolar process. At the age of about 50, she completely lost mobility of the mandible. Under general anesthesia, the region of the alveolar process with adhesion was resected. One month and a half later, vestibuloplasty was performed. As of 4 years 6 months postoperatively, there is no evidence of recurrence.